Chambers USA 2020: WTO Leads Nationwide, Colorado

Denver: Chambers USA has again recognized Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell (WTO) among the top litigation firms nationwide and in Colorado:

Band 1: General Commercial Litigation, Colorado

• 8 lawyers ranked—more than any other firm
• More attorneys in Band 1 than any firm

Band 2: Nationwide Product Liability: Consumer Class Actions

• WTO among the Top 10 U.S. firms for class action defense
• Co-Managing Partner Mike Williams among the Top 10 U.S. class action defense attorneys

Band 3: Nationwide Product Liability & Mass Torts

• 4 lawyers ranked
• WTO among top 10 firms in the U.S. by lawyer ranking

Band 3: Labor & Employment Litigation, Colorado

• Raymond Martin ranked in Band 1 for  11 straight years

The directory describes WTO as “A dominant litigation boutique celebrated for its talent in civil trials.” Chambers quotes one client describing WTO as, “A solid team of attorneys who speak with one voice and follow through to completion with class." Another states, “A top team of lawyers, who are very creative in developing legal strategies."

In its editorial, Chambers points to WTO’s high-profile engagements, such as representing Crestone Peak Resources in a $600 million lawsuit brought by Boulder County, challenging the company’s oil and gas leases, and, ultimately, obtained summary judgment on two of the claims, while the remaining two were withdrawn.

Nationwide
In a new national category launched this year, Chambers ranked WTO in Band 2 for Consumer Class Actions--among the top 10 firms in the U.S. The guide similarly recognized WTO’s Mike Williams in Band 2, placing him among the top 10 lawyers in the nation to earn recognition in this category. Williams is also ranked in Colorado. Clients describe Williams as “one of the best class action practitioners in the US."

Chambers ranks WTO in Band 3 for Nationwide Product Liability & Mass Tort Defense. Four WTO lawyers are recognized as “Notable Practitioners” in Product Liability & Mass Torts Defense

•     John Fitzpatrick (Band 4)
•     James Hooper (Band 4)
•     Michael O’Donnell (Band 4)
•     Jack Trigg (Senior Statespeople)

In addition to being ranked in Band 4, Fitzpatrick earned special recognition for the sixth year in a row on the Chambers Spotlight Table for Nationwide Product Liability: Toxic Torts. Only four lawyers in the nation are listed.

Colorado
Chambers once again ranked WTO in Band 1 in Colorado for General Commercial Litigation. Eight WTO lawyers are recognized as “Notable Practitioners” in this area, more than any other firm. WTO also has more attorneys ranked in Band 1 for General Commercial Litigation than any other firm in Colorado.

•     Scott Barker (Band 3)
•     Carolyn Fairless (Band 2)
•     John Fitzpatrick (Band 1)
•     Hugh Gottschalk (Band 1)
•     Michael O’Donnell (Band 1)
•     Kathryn Reilly (Band 3)
•     Malcolm Wheeler (Senior Statespeople)
•     Michael Williams (Band 4)

Additionally, Raymond Martin is ranked in Band 1 for Colorado Labor & Employment. This is Martin’s eleventh straight year in Band 1. One source points to Martin’s ability to “navigate sticky situations with firmness and collaboration,” and get “things resolved in a timely manner."

Chambers and Partners identifies and ranks the most outstanding law firms and lawyers in over 180 jurisdictions throughout the world. The guide accepts submissions from law firms and lawyers and also relies heavily on client and peer interviews to inform its rankings.

Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell lawyers have taken more than 1,300 trials, arbitrations, and appeals to verdict, award, or opinion in 45 states and Washington, D.C., with exceptional results for our clients. Established in 1998, WTO currently numbers more than 110 lawyers. The firm represents sophisticated clients in high-stakes civil trials, appeals, and related litigation ranging from complex commercial to class actions to multidistrict litigation.